Novo Nordisk and Health Canada announced today that a shortage of the Ozempic drug designated for diabetes patients, which is used off-label for weight loss, is expected in Canada.

Kate Hannah, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, said in a statement via email: "We are experiencing a temporary disruption in the supply of the Ozempic 1 mg pen (injection) due to a combination of comprehensive global supply constraints along with increased demand."

The Canadian Ministry of Health also stated on its website that "intermittent shortages" are expected from late August to early October.

Hannah added that 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses of Ozempic injection pens will remain available "for type 2 diabetes patients across Canada."

She added, "Canada is one of many countries facing supply challenges. We have been proactively working with our global colleagues, Health Canada, and our pharmaceutical shipping partners to address this issue to mitigate the impact across Canada."

The Canadian Ministry of Health's web page also mentioned that lower-dose pens "may be an option for some patients to alleviate the effects" of the supply disruption.

The web page stated that Health Canada and Novo Nordisk are "closely monitoring" the supply of Rybelsus, an oral form of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.

Health Canada stated, "Patients are encouraged to consult with their healthcare practitioner about available options."

Ozempic and Rybelsus are currently approved by Health Canada for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Endocrinologists previously told The Canadian Press that semaglutide, when prescribed at higher doses, is also an effective treatment for obesity and that they have prescribed it off-label for this purpose.

However, some doctors and ethics experts have criticized Novo Nordisk for aggressively marketing both Ozempic and Rybelsus in Canada in recent months, expressing concerns that people will seek prescriptions for cosmetic weight loss.

Another semaglutide drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy, has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of obesity, but it is not yet available in this country.